We offer a variety of lift kits from mild to wild — and many in between. On the lower end of the spectrum, a simple coil spring spacer will do, while our higher lifts feature adjustable Long Control Arms. But the middle ground is where most Jeepers must decide whether a short-arm or long-arm suspension is the right choice for their application.

Adjustable Short Control Arms

Adjustable Short Control Arms have many advantages such as affordability and ease of installation. Short Control Arms bolt to the factory control arm mounting brackets making them popular for lifts under 4”.

But as ride height goes up, control arm angles become steeper increasing bushing stress during extreme droop as well as increasing shock load transferred through the control arms, which negatively affects handling, ride quality, and suspension travel.

Short Control Arms work well for low to medium lift heights on trails or rock crawling with 35–37” tires.

1415611 – JK: Alpine IR Short Arm Kit – 8-Arm (2–4” Lift)

1415611 – JK: Alpine IR Short Arm Kit – 8-Arm (2–4” Lift)

ADJUSTABLE SHORT CONTROL ARMS

Pros:

  • Adjustable Short Control Arms balance front caster angle and pinion angles as well as optimize rear pinion angle and tune anti-squat geometry for proper suspension alignment on 0–4.5” lift kits (varies by vehicle)
  • Re-centers axles in the wheel well for proper suspension movement. Can also be used to increase wheelbase
  • Full range of movement will not restrict articulation or flex off-road
  • Offers more ground clearance than Long Control Arms at same lift height/tire size
  • More affordable and easier to install compared to Long Control Arms
  • Bolts to the factory control arm mounting brackets
  • Install and drive simple bolt-on installation — no welding required

Cons:

  • Higher lift heights changes control arm orientation from nearly flat to a steeper angle
  • Steeper angles increase bushing stress during extreme droop as well as increases shock load transferred through the control arms — negatively affecting handling and ride quality
  • Alignment required

Adjustable Long Control Arms and Long Arm Brackets

On higher lifts, Long Arm Brackets reposition frame-end control arm mounting points to restore near factory orientation to reduce bushing stress during extreme droop and shock load transferred through the Long Control Arms. Keeping the control arms close to the factory angle maintains factory handling and ride quality. Long Control Arm & Bracket Kits are ideal for 3–6” lifts.

Repositioning the control arm mounting brackets closer to the center of the vehicle decreases ground clearance at the same lift height and tire size increasing the potential to get hung up on large obstacles. But at the same time, it provides additional protection for the driveline and other undercarriage components. Long Control Arms work well for on-road comfort, trail riding, and overlanding with 35–37” tires and rock crawling with 38–42” tires.

1315011 – JK: Alpine IR Long Arm & Bracket Kit – 8-Arm (3–6” Lift)

1315011 – JK: Alpine IR Long Arm & Bracket Kit – 8-Arm (3–6” Lift)

ADJUSTABLE LONG CONTROL ARMS AND LONG ARM BRACKETS

Pros:

  • Adjustable Long Control Arms and Long Arm Brackets balance front caster angle and pinion angles as well as optimize rear pinion angle and tune anti-squat geometry for proper suspension alignment on 3–6” lift kits
  • On higher lifts, Long Arm Brackets reposition frame-end control arm mounting points to restore near factory orientation to reduce bushing stress during extreme droop and shock load transferred through the Long Control Arms
  • Re-centers axles in the wheel well for proper suspension movement. Can also be used to increase wheelbase
  • Full range of movement will not restrict articulation or flex off-road
  • More lift height and suspension travel potential compared to Short Control Arms (dependent on coil springs and shock travel)
  • Heavy-duty Long Control Arms and Long Arm Brackets provide additional protection for driveline and other undercarriage components

Cons:

  • Reduced ground clearance compared to Short Control Arms at same lift height/tire size
  • Long Control Arms and Bracket Kits are more costly than Short Control Arms
  • Requires cutting and/or welding to install
  • May not be compatible with some rock sliders or skid plates
  • Alignment required

Be sure to check out these articles for more details and Features & Benefits of TeraFlex Short Control Arms, Long Control Arms & Long Arm Brackets, and adjustable Track Bars for JL Wrangler/Unlimited, JT Gladiator, JK Wrangler/Unlimited, and TJ Wrangler/Unlimited as well as our JK: Rear Stretch Kits.

Check out all our TeraFlex Suspension Lifts, Off-Road Performance Parts, and Jeep Accessories HERE!

— — — SKUs, components, and pricing are subject to change. See the website descriptions for the latest information. — — —

— Words by Jason Udy